- a variation of behavior.
behaviour
Americannoun
noun
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manner of behaving or conducting oneself
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behaving with careful good manners
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psychol
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the aggregate of all the responses made by an organism in any situation
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a specific response of a certain organism to a specific stimulus or group of stimuli
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the action, reaction, or functioning of a system, under normal or specified circumstances
Spelling
See -or 1.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of behaviour
C15: from behave ; influenced in form by Middle English havior , from Old French havoir , from Latin habēre to have
Explanation
Your behaviour is the way you act in various situations. Note that this word ends with "our," which is the British spelling, while the American English spelling is behavior. This discrepancy is common, and either spelling is correct. The Late Middle English word behavoure meant "to have possession," which seemingly refers to a person in control of his or her actions. If you are accused of childish behaviour, you might be acting as though you have little self-control. Scottish musician Shirley Manson once said: "A lot of celebrities just want money, fame, power, fancy cars, houses all over the world and have people bow down to them. To me, that's frightful behaviour."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The fallout from the World Cup continued earlier this week as Fifa opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over its behaviour after the final defeat by Spain and throughout the tournament.
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026
De Zerbi said it was wrong to criticise Romero for his initial decision, saying he had shown "unbelievable behaviour" during the Italian's time at the club, but accepted it was "his will" to leave.
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
Molina may also face disciplinary action for one count of alleged unsporting behaviour under article 14.
From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026
Japanese company Asilla says its AI surveillance system can detect unusual behaviour, such as falls, or someone who might be preparing to jump from a height.
From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026
Elizabeth, however, had never been blind to the impropriety of her father’s behaviour as a husband.
From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
